Maybe you’re not familiar with Zaxby’s. Or maybe you are, and don’t care for it. That’s o.k.

But for Deb and me, it’s our regular, weekly date “night” (if you will). We haven’t always had a date night this regular. But for the last couple of years, with very few exceptions, you could find us at the Zaxby’s in Manning on Mondays, between noon and one o’clock.

It’s not even about the food, though we certainly like wings (and french fries ; ) … and I CERTAINLY like – LOVE – their Sweet Tea.

What it IS about is a man and wife spending time together. Just. To be. Together.

If you question whether you’d enjoy such a time with your spouse, may I suggest that you likely need it more than you think you do.

And if you think that the time you are around them at home, with or without kids or other family members, then you are missing the point.

It’s about building intimacy … (which isn’t JUST about sex, by the way) … and getting to know each other. Talking. Communicating. About … whatever. Whatever is on your hearts, thoughts, and minds. That’s how you get to know someone. REALLY know someone. Their thoughts. Their dreams.

And it’s not about how expensive your date is. If you can afford Outback once a week, GREAT! Enjoy!

But if your budget is more along the lines of Taco Bell, then do that. It’s not really about where you are. (And it doesn’t have to be the same place every week. Not at all.)

The point is, be together. In an environment other than your home, where the distractions of the kids, the dishes, the television, the computer, etc. often keep us from that kind of communication intimacy, and time.

An occasional double date is o.k. But the point of a regular date night … as often as possible, if not once a week … is for the two of you to build that intimacy among yourselves.

Remember, when the kids are gone, you will still have a home with just you two. Start practicing now to get the most out of it.

And if you’re already in an empty nest, all the more reason to start now building that relationship. Making it better.

You might be surprised how much more you get to know each other. How much more in love you grow with each other. With just a regular time away from the everyday to a special time for just the two of you.

So go ahead. Make a picnic lunch. Or dress up and go out on the town. Wherever you land in between, do what Nike says. Just do it!